Green and blue are two popular colors that are commonly used together in interior decorating and design. The combination of green and blue can create a variety of looks and feels depending on the shades and tones used. Here we will explore if and how green and blue work together in home decor.
The Color Wheel Theory
According to traditional color theory, green and blue are considered complementary colors on the color wheel. This means they are directly opposite each other. Complementary color pairs create strong visual contrast when placed side-by-side. This contrast can be jarring when using very saturated shades. However, when desaturated, muted shades are used, green and blue complement each other nicely. The contrast is toned down but a sense of visual interest remains.
Analogous Color Schemes
While green and blue are complementary colors, they can also be used together in analogous color schemes. Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmony and continuity. Green contains a bit of blue in its makeup, linking it to blue. Blue-green and green-blue are tranquil analogous pairings. Sage green and powder blue make a soothing combo. Turquoise contains both green and blue for a vibrant analogous pairing.
Nature’s Green and Blue
Looking to nature, green and blue commonly occur together. The sky and the grass, the ocean and the trees – these classic pairings are ubiquitous. Bringing these colors into the home is an easy way to create a fresh, natural look and feel. Use different shades to evoke different natural settings – a soft sage green and powder blue for the sky and beach, or emerald green and navy blue for the forest and sea.
Calming Effects
Green and blue are considered peaceful, restful colors. Blue has a calming effect, while green is believed to relieve anxiety. Using different hues and saturations of green and blue together can create anything from a soothing spa-like space to a tranquil oasis. Try light blue walls with sage green decor accents. Or deeper teal walls with soft green furniture. Layer in natural elements like stone, wood and plants to enhance the zen vibe.
Bold and Vibrant
While green and blue certainly excel at creating serene spaces, they can also be used together in bold, dramatic ways. Deep jewel tones of emerald, jade and sapphire blue make a sophisticated combo. Turquoise and lime green are playful and funky. Use these bolder shade combinations sparingly, like on accent walls or furniture pieces. Too much can overwhelm a space.
Best Green and Blue Combinations
Here are some of the most pleasing and popular green and blue color combinations for decorating:
| Green | Blue |
|---|---|
| Sage | Powder blue |
| Seafoam | Sky blue |
| Mint | Baby blue |
| Kelly green | Navy |
| Emerald | Royal blue |
| Forest green | Steel blue |
| Lime | Turquoise |
| Jade | Teal |
Tips for Decorating With Green and Blue
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using green and blue together:
– Stick with muted, softened shades or the colors can clash. Avoid fluorescent versions.
– Use one color as the dominant shade, and the other as accents. Too much green and blue can get chaotic.
– Try pairing an earthy green with a calm, airy blue – this creates natural contrast.
– Add in neutral tones like white, sand and gray to give the eyes a break between the green and blue.
– Tie it all together with natural textures and materials – wood, rattan, linen, stone.
– Introduce other harmonious colors like yellow, violet and green for a unified look.
Green and Blue for Different Rooms
Green and blue work well in just about any room when combined tastefully. Here are some examples:
Kitchen – Mint green walls with a navy backsplash and powder blue accessories. Stainless steel appliances add modern contrast.
Bathroom – Aqua blue walls with a mint green vanity and sage green tile floor. White wainscoting and trim keeps it fresh.
Bedroom – Soft celery green walls with robin’s egg blue bedding and curtains. White furniture allows the colors to pop.
Living Room – Light blue-gray walls and sofa paired with emerald green pillows and a jade green rug. Walnut coffee table grounds the space.
Dining Room – Navy blue wainscoting with painted white trim. Medium green dining chairs and a turquoise chandelier create vibrancy.
Entryway – Bright lime green front door makes a cheerful statement against white shiplap walls. Add a blue door mat.
Home Office – Green and blue make a soothing workspace. Try teal bookshelves with mint filing cabinets or vice versa.
Pro Designers Using Green and Blue
Many professional interior designers effectively combine green and blue in creative, inspiring ways:
– Joanna Gaines often pairs airy blue walls with earthy green decor in her designs. Her use of worn, vintage-style woods and whites helps marry the colors beautifully.
– In Jeff Lewis’ designs, bold emerald greens pop against gray-blues and crisp whites. Modern furniture balances the traditional color pairing.
– Bobby Berk frequently uses muted blue-grays with energetic lime green accents. Clean lines and metallics modernize the look.
– Jonathan Adler is known for pairing rich shades like peacock blue with kelly green. Graphic patterns and mod shapes keep it feeling up-to-date.
– Sarah Richardson designed a soothing bedroom with pale blue walls and touches of mint green. Light wood, silky bedding and sheer curtainsSoften the contrast.
The Green and Blue Debate
There is some debate around whether green and blue work well together. Here are some common concerns:
– The high contrast can be jarring if the wrong shades are paired – some find this combination garish. Sticking to muted analogous shades addresses this issue.
– In traditional interior design, it’s advised to choose one dominant color and use the other extremely sparingly. This helps the pairing feel more cohesive.
– Colors like teal and turquoise that blend both green and blue can sometimes be easier to work with than true greens and blues.
– Without enough neutrals, the colors may fight for attention. Be sure to include plenty of whites, grays, tan and wood tones.
Conclusion
Green and blue can work beautifully together when some guidelines are followed. Keep hues muted, use one color more dominantly, and blend in plenty of neutrals. Analagous shades like teal help bridge the two colors harmoniously. Use green and blue thoughtfully to create anything from a soothing oasis to a punchy modern space. Nature herself pairs these colors frequently, so take inspiration from the forest, ocean, and sky. With the right approach, green and blue are a classic, graceful combination for any room.
